Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated forex brokers often compare EasyMarkets and IG, two established names in the industry. Both brokers are fully licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, offering retail clients robust protections such as segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and a maximum leverage of 30:1. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a global powerhouse with extensive market access, advanced platforms, and competitive spreads, making it a top choice for experienced traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, appeals to those who prefer fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and a simpler trading experience. With local AUD accounts and support for popular payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, both brokers cater well to the Australian market. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style and needs in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | IG |
For Australia traders, trading costs vary between EasyMarkets and IG due to their different pricing models. IG offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission per lot, while the standard account has spreads from 0.8 pips without commission. EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads on major pairs, typically from 1.2 pips, which can be higher than IG's average variable spreads especially during volatile sessions. Consider your trading volume: high-frequency traders in Australia will benefit more from IG's lower raw spreads, while those valuing cost predictability may prefer EasyMarkets' fixed structure. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees, but keep an eye on swap rates if holding positions overnight.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Australia traders require reliable and feature-rich trading platforms. IG provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms, plus MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer for advanced charting and algorithmic trading. This flexibility suits experienced traders who need depth. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and mobile app, alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. While both support essential tools, IG's platform ecosystem is more comprehensive with automated trading, backtesting, and custom indicators. For Australia traders who prioritise advanced analysis and direct market access, IG's platform suite is superior. EasyMarkets' platforms are user-friendly and ideal for traders who prefer simplicity and guaranteed stop-loss features.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality varies between the two brokers. IG offers direct market access (DMA) on major forex pairs and indices, typically with no re-quotes and fast order execution. EasyMarkets operates as a market maker, using a dealing desk which can lead to occasional re-quotes during volatile conditions. For experienced traders in Australia who rely on precise order fills and rapid execution, IG's straight-through processing (STP) and DMA model are preferable. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss may appeal to those prioritising risk management over speed. Both brokers execute orders reliably, but IG's execution is more competitive for high-frequency and large-volume traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and IG are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which imposes strict standards on brokers serving Australia traders. ASIC regulation means client funds are held in segregated trust accounts, leverage is capped at 30:1 for retail clients, and brokers must offer negative balance protection. Additionally, traders have access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for dispute resolution. IG has a longer track record and larger scale under ASIC oversight, while EasyMarkets has maintained its compliance without major issues. For experienced traders in Australia, ASIC regulation provides a safe trading environment, and both brokers meet these requirements fully.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 1 to 5 business days |
Australia traders benefit from convenient local deposit methods at both EasyMarkets and IG. You can fund your AUD account using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, or Credit Card. BPAY and Bank Transfers are ideal for larger amounts but may take 1-2 business days, while POLi and Credit Cards are instant. IG also accepts PayPal, adding another instant option. Minimum deposit for IG is A$0 on standard accounts, while EasyMarkets requires a minimum of A$100. Withdrawals are processed quickly: IG offers same-day withdrawals via Bank Transfer and others subject to verification; EasyMarkets processes within 1-2 days. Both brokers do not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, though your bank may apply charges for international transfers. For Australia traders, IG provides slightly more payment variety and faster withdrawals overall.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Australia Muslim traders can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts with both EasyMarkets and IG. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest (swap) on positions held beyond the daily rollover. To open a swap-free account, you typically need to provide proof of Muslim faith or sign a declaration. EasyMarkets restricts swap-free accounts to certain account types and may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period. IG offers Islamic accounts across its platform options with clear terms. For traders in Australia who require swap-free trading, both brokers accommodate, but IG's policy is more straightforward and widely recognised. Always confirm current conditions as fees or limits may change.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is essential for Australia traders, especially during volatile market hours. IG provides 24/7 support via live chat, phone (including an Australian local number), and email, with fast response times. EasyMarkets offers support during forex market hours via live chat, email, and phone, with a local Australian number as well. IG's round-the-clock availability gives it an edge for traders who operate outside standard Australian business hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQs and educational resources, but IG's multilingual support team is larger and more responsive for experienced traders needing immediate assistance.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IG if you...
For experienced Australia traders under ASIC regulation, IG stands out as the superior broker in this comparison. Its higher score (4.2 vs 3.4) reflects better spreads, more advanced platforms, faster execution, and extensive local payment options including BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. IG's deep market access and 24/7 support are ideal for active traders. EasyMarkets, while reliable and offering fixed spreads and a simpler experience, lacks the sophistication and cost efficiency that seasoned traders demand. Its smaller market selection and higher spreads may limit profitability. If you prioritise robust trading tools and lower costs, IG is the clear winner for Australia traders in 2025. However, if you value predictability and built-in risk controls, EasyMarkets remains a viable alternative.